Proverbs 29:23 (CEB)

Pride lays people low,
    but those of humble spirit gain honor.


Reflection

My pride in self is often what gets me out of the bed in the morning.  It is that part of my human spirit that helps me to want to better myself in all endeavors.  Yet here in Proverbs 29:23, I am reminded that sometimes being prideful may be my downfall.  My pride becomes my nemesis when I focus more on how I’ve helped someone and less on how God has made the difference.  Pride gets in my way when I catch myself wondering how others will understand what I have accomplished, instead of trying to see myself humbly, through God’s eyes. It is then that I remember that it is what God says about me that truly matters. 

I am further reminded through the example of the life of Jesus. Jesus’ human life began humbly, was lived in complete humility, and ended in utter humiliation on the cross. Our humbled spirits gain traction through the lens of Jesus. We need not look around to see what others think.  When Christ’s ways are the lens through which we view the world, all accomplishments truly go to God’s credit and not our own.  We won’t care about our earthly accolades.  All honor and achievements will be for God’s glory – and that will be enough!

By Barbara Carlson


For Pondering & Prayer

Just when we think we are doing right by helping another human being, we may catch ourselves thinking about how much we’ve contributed.  It is then that we know our pride is getting in the way. Instead, when we’re listening for God’s instructions, we won’t think about taking the credit. 

When called to do good, what humbles you to remember that it is truly for God’s grace and glory? What example in Christ’s life reminds you most of his humility?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for the pride that helps us to stand tall as beings made in your image.  But help us not to misuse our sense of pride to look for our own honor in the things that we do. Jesus, thank you for the ultimate example of humility we find in your life. May your example and your Spirit be our ever present guides, as we look to be your hands and feet in the world. Amen.